Joshua 10:6-15 Amplified Bible (AMP)

6 And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, saying, Do not relax your hand from your servants; come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites who dwell in the hill country are gathered against us.

7 So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the warriors with him and all the mighty men of valor.

8 And the Lord said to Joshua, Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hand; there shall not a man of them stand before you.

9 So Joshua came upon them suddenly, having gone up from Gilgal all night.

10 And the Lord caused [the enemies] to panic before Israel, who slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon and chased them along the way that goes up to Beth-horon and smote them as far as Azekah and Makkedah.

11 As they fled before Israel, while they were descending [the pass] to Beth-horon, the Lord cast great stones from the heavens on them as far as Azekah, killing them. More died because of the hailstones than the Israelites slew with the sword.

12 Then Joshua spoke to the Lord on the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, be silent and stand still at Gibeon, and you, moon, in the Valley of Ajalon!

13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the nation took vengeance upon their enemies. Is not this written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of the heavens and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day.

14 There was no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man. For the Lord fought for Israel.

15 Then Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.

Joshua represents the new generation. He is a man who has been prepared for leading under the leadership of Moses. Now his turn to walk the stage of life has come. Joshua is about 80, yet he has the stamina of any young man.

After the children of Israel cross the Jordan and conquer Jericho, they falter briefly at Ai then keep going. One city decides to surrender to Israel instead of being killed. Gibeon and its King make peace with Israel and say we will become your servants. They would rather be living servants than dead heroes!

But the surrounding kings are outraged that Gibeon would surrender and five kings and their armies decide to go up and wipe out Gibeon, just to teach them a lesson. So the Gibeonites call out to Joshua and say, help us!

Joshua immediately gathers his army and leaves where they are. Straight away Joshua hears from God.

Lesson 1. Be about God’s business and you’re going to hear from Him in prayer. God is wanting to encourage you that He is with you. Over and over again in the bible God is committing to us that He is with us, and this is because we are about his business.

The Gibeonites go up to Joshua on day one to tell him they are about to be attacked and Joshua travels all night from that time to arrive early the next morning to attack the five kings with their armies.

He fights all day against them, and God is with him to overcome so much that God sends hailstones down to kill the enemy and the hailstones wipe out more than the sword. The miracle here is that the hailstones don’t fall on the Israelite army!

Lesson 2 What God is doing for you behind the scenes will ensure your victory, so don’t sweat the dark clouds with hail because God’s got something powerful in mind.

Joshua realises that he is not going to have enough time to overcome all the enemies in the day before the sun goes down, so he prays the boldest prayer ever prayed on earth. Sun stand still! And God answers him with a massive miracle.

Lesson 3 Never underestimate the power you have in prayer.

You may easily say – Yes but that’s Joshua. I’m me and that’s different! However God is looking for great men and women of God to rise up and have faith. God is no respecter of persons; that means He has no favourites. We let ourselves off the hook too easily, by saying; I can’t do that and self-disqualify. But God’s word clearly says to all believers. Mark 11:23 Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him.

Joshua has been awake all of day one, then travels through the night to attack the kings at dawn. Then he fights that day; so that’s 30 hours so far that Joshua and his men have been awake until about midday (Sun was stayed in the midst of the heavens). So now he asks for another day (12 hours) of sunshine so at the end of the battle Joshua and his men have been sustained approximately 42 hours.

Lesson 4 when God is moving don’t slack off in prayer. Keep going until the victory is complete.

At the close of the story we see Joshua bring all his top leaders together and place their foot on the necks of these defeated kings. What was that all about? The power of visualisation. The next 100 battles for these leaders was going to be fought out with the image firmly planted in their minds – this is how it turns out for me when God is on my side.

Lesson 5 Use your imagination to see the outcome you want in prayer. Prayer and walking with the Holy Spirit uses the language of dreams and visions.

Prayer changes things and you need to know that you have massive power in prayer when you believe. Learn to wage war in the spiritual realm by understanding your authority over all the power of the enemy.

Ephes 6:12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

Luke 10:19 Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Prayer is not a function of time but it is a function of authority. The factor of time comes into play when we need to spend time with God and His word so that we receive faith building revelation about who we are and what he has promised. We have a big job on our hands to reach the lost people of our city. It’s vital that we have faith and stand in our authority and pray so that the enemy’s power is broken and the Grace of God is released to touch the multitudes in this city.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How often do we think that our prayers won’t really change things?

2. If that is the case who benefits from that kind of thinking?

3. Do we often search for physical and emotional proofs of the prayers being answered?

4. What things would encourage you to continue in prayer until an answer comes?

5. Would it encourage you to hear of prayers being answered for those in your circle of friends?

Schoolies 2012

Trust this email finds you well, refreshed and energised as we head towards the end of another year! What an incredible conference we have just had as a movement, such unity and what a blessing to be able to honour Ps David and Tricia in such a wonderful way and how exciting to hear the vision that Ps Ross and Kathy have for the future.

We are now only 5 weeks out from the first Schoolies/Leavers celebrations kicking off in full force! We would love to have you partner with Red Frogs as we send out some 1,400 volunteers to serve and influence the 70,000 Schoolies/Leavers who will be celebrating the end of their secondary education.

You can partner with us in the following ways:
1. Prayer
We would love you to join us in praying for a healthy Schoolies this year. We believe that God is constantly taking ground through the work of Red Frogs in the locations where we provide a positive presence and it is only through prayer that this is possible. We are praying corporately every Monday night for the next 5 weeks as well as establishing a prayer roster for the duration of Schoolies. It would be fantastic to have you and your congregation onboard. Please email prayer@redfrogs.com if you would like to be a part of this.
2. Volunteers
Sending your Young Adults on a missions trip into their own backyard is not only more affordable than heading overseas but it is also an incredible way for them to reach out to local Australian youth at a time when they are making life changing decisions. Our experience dictates that often it is the volunteer that walks away with a new found passion for reaching their community and they carry this passion back with them to the local church.
3. Sponsorships
We have established the Simon Campbell Memorial fund in memory of Simon and his huge involvement in beginning what is now Red Frogs. This fund has been established to be able to sponsor young people who would love to serve in Red Frogs but do not have the funds to participate. You can donate to the fund by clicking on this link.
4. Pancake Shakers
Last year we had 4,000 requests come through the Red Frog Hotline for pancakes and that doesn’t include random acts of pancakes performed by the teams or any building cook-ups that were done (equating to over 50,000 pancakes)! This means that we need a lot of pancake shakers! Click this link for more information.

We would also like to extend an invitation to you to attend a VIP tour of a Schoolies location close to you. If you are interested in this, please email Larnie Bramley (larnie@redfrogs.com).

We look forward to your partnership in some shape or form, no matter how big or small! If you would like to have a chat about any of this in greater detail, please feel free to call us on 1300 557 123 or email info@redfrogs.com.

(John 12:1-8 AMP) SO SIX days before the Passover Feast, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had died and whom He had raised from the dead. So they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those at the table with Him. Mary took a pound of ointment of pure liquid nard [a rare perfume] that was very expensive, and she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, the one of His disciples who was about to betray Him, said, Why was this perfume not sold for 300 denarii [a year’s wages for an ordinary workman] and that [money] given to the poor (the destitute)? Now he did not say this because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief; and having the bag (the money box, the purse of the Twelve), he took for himself what was put into it [pilfering the collections]. But Jesus said, Let her alone. It was [intended] that she should keep it for the time of My preparation for burial. [She has kept it that she might have it for the time of My embalming.] You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.

How much do you love God?

When you first stir in the morning, what thoughts fill your mind? When you think about what’s important to you, who or what dominates your life? When your heart is greatly moved, who or what was the influence? Who takes your breath away? God wants to be first in your life. (Mark 12:30 AMP) And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment.

This message is to encourage you and inspire you to put God first on your life.

First of all who is first in your life? We may all say God is but are you willing to be challenged on that? Why would I even want to put God first? 1. Fear – the beginning of wisdom. 2. Love – behold what He did for me. {revelation}

Imagine…. My wedding day…. Till death do us part with my wife and another person!! She wouldnt feel as though she was first in my life. How does God feel when we have other lovers?

For the honeymoon….. First week away at the golf retreat!

Matt 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

THE TRUTH CONVEYED HERE IS: PUT GOD FIRST AND EVERYTHING ELSE WILL BE BLESSED.

Our motivation is not reward but it is Him.

God says I want our first love. Rev 2:4-5 But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love]. Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God’s will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord], or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent.

PUTTING GOD FIRST What does it look like? What are the evidences that God is first in your life? Can I inspire you to fall head over heels in love with Jesus? Just look at what he’s done for you…….

1. FIRST IN YOUR DAY Ps 63:1 NKJV O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsts for thee, my flesh longs for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. Ps 5:3 ESV O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.

TRUTH CONVEYED HERE IS IF YOU PUT GOD FIRST IN YOUR DAY – GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST OF YOUR DAY.

2. FIRST IN YOUR AFFECTIONS Matt 22:37 Jesus said unto him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. Luke 14:26 AMP If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his [own] father and mother [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God] and [likewise] his wife and children and brothers and sisters–[yes] and even his own life also–he cannot be My disciple.

WHEN GOD IS FIRST IN OUR AFFECTIONS HE WILL GRANT YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART.

3. FIRST IN YOUR WEEK (Hebrews 10:25 AMP) Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.

(Psalm 27:4 AMP) One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple.

THE TRUTH CONVEYED HERE IS THAT IF WE PUT GODS HOUSE FIRST THEN HE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOUSE

Haggai 1 put Gods house first…

4. FIRST IN OUR FINANCES (Proverbs 3:9, 10 AMP) Honor the Lord with your capital (wealth) and sufficiency (reserves)[from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income; So shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine. Abraham – gave the first tenth to Melchisadek, immediately after he won the spoils not much later.

(Genesis 4:3, 4 AMP) And in the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground. And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering,

THE TRUTH CONVEYED HERE AND IN MATT 6:33 IS THAT WHEN YOU PUT GOD FIRST IN YOUR FINANCES HE WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST.

5. FIRST IN YOUR LIFE (Philippians 3:7, 8 ESV) But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

(2 Timothy 4:8 ESV) Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

THE THRUTH CONVEYED HERE IS THAT WHEN WE PUT GOD FIRST WITH OUR WHOLE LIFE THERE IS A FUTURE IN ETERNITY LAID UP FOR US THAT IS GLORIOUS.

CONCLUSION

GOD PUT YOU FIRST God gave his best, his only begotten son he sacrificed for you and me. He have us his best, he placed us first in his heart.

We love Him, because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19 AMP)

Because he placed you and your salvation first in sending his only son to the cross, god showed to you that he prizes highly this sonship he has conferred upon you.